Humanitarian EOD Support Officer (Multiple)

Background Information - PSC

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients. The Director is responsible for administering and providing oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Background Information - PSC Palestine Project Unit

The PSC Palestine Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the Palestine Project Unit reports to the PSC Director who provides direction and guidance. S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate.

In Palestine, PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the Palestine mine action programme operates as one integrated team.

The programme is seeking the immediate deployment of multiple Humanitarian EOD Support Officers into Southern Gaza. The situation in Gaza is highly kinetic with heavy bombardment from air land and sea, and the living conditions are spartan. The deployed individuals will be expected to live and work in this challenging humanitarian environment. The individuals deployed will be expected to effectively work with a broad range of UN staff across all ranges of seniority. S/he will be deployed on a daily basis to conduct hands-on tasks in a high risk operating environment. It must be stressed that these positions are directly operational, UNMAS is directly responsible for all streams of EOD work and does not have an implementing partner.

The Humanitarian EOD Support Officer will be required to adhere strictly to UN security protocols and guidelines. The safety and security of the Humanitarian EOD Support Officer and the local population are of paramount importance. Individuals would be expected to deploy in September 2024 and undergo a one-week orientation. However, multiple positions are available, and some posts will be filled at a later date.

Functional Responsibilities

As the Humanitarian EOD Support Officer operating in Gaza to support humanitarian operations, the incumbent will be reporting to the EOD Officer and will be responsible for:

• Support of the EOD team to lead non-technical survey, technical survey and high-risk search operations of infrastructure and areas identified by the Palestine Response Programme and UN Agencies as potentially containing explosive ordonance;
• Undertake desk research on possible explosive ordnance hazards;
• Verify the existence of explosive ordnance and their threatening nature;
• Support the implementation of technical, international and national safety standards;
• Liaise with the local community to understand threats and relay information on threat avoidance;
• Receive tasks and work within the team to respond with high-quality operational capacity;
• Support programmatic, project and operation planning and activities.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A First-level University degree (Bachelor degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 4 years relevant experience is required;

OR

• A Secondary School diploma (High School or equivalent) combined with 8 years of military or police experience is required.

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in explosive threat mitigation or relevant fields.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in manual mine clearance, technical survey of mined areas or areas suspected of containing IED’s, or clearance of areas confirmed to have been contaminated with IED’s is required;
• Experience using information management systems such as Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) is desired

• Experience working in high-intensity conflict zones or challenging environments similar to Gaza is desired.

  Language

• Fluency in English (write, speak, and read) is required.

  Certification

• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Certification 3 or Higher Qualification is required.

*EOD qualifications must be from organizations that train and educate EOD specialists in accordance with IMAS standards. Individuals are responsible for providing proof of completion.

• High Risk Search or Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) certification is desired.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Staff (Fixed Term Appointment) Contract level: P2 Contract duration: 3 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.